The Toronto Police Service is seeking assistance from the public with two incidents that occurred in The Queensway and Windermere Avenue area on Tuesday the 14th of July 2009.

Just after midnight on the above mentioned date police responded to a stabbing call on Windermere Avenue.

It was reported that earlier a 19 year old man had been walking in the area of The Queensway and Windermere Avenue when he was approached by a man who assaulted him.

The victim fled the scene and returned to his home. Once there he realized that he had been stabbed in the arm.

The victim was taken to hospital where he was treated and released.

Soon after the stabbing incident police responded to a shooting call again in The Queensway and Windermere Avenue area.

Upon arrival at this location officers located an 18 year old man suffering from a gunshot wound.
The victim was taken to hospital where he underwent surgery. He is listed in serious condition.

It is unknown at this time if the two incidents are connected.

Investigators have seized security camera images from the area and will continue to canvass the area for information.

It has been reported that several people were seen running from the area prior to the arrival of police.

Investigators would like to speak to those people and anyone else with information.

Contact police at 416-808-1100 or Crime Stoppers anonymously at 416-222-TIPS (8477), online at www.222tips.com, or text TOR and your message to CRIMES (274637).

The Provincial Seat Belt Campaign, with the full support of the Ontario Association of Chiefs of Police, is a combined public awareness and enforcement campaign that is aimed at getting more drivers and passengers to buckle up. Using seat belts is the single most effective way to reduce vehicle related injuries and fatalities.

The spring campaign will run from Wednesday 2009 April 15 until Sunday 2009 April 26. It is estimated that for every 1% increase in seatbelt use, 5 lives are saved in Ontario every year.

The spring seat belt campaign will focus on drivers who fail to properly secure their children safely. Child Safety Seat clinics have continually shown that 80 percent of car seats are installed or used incorrectly.

11 Division will be hosting an infant/child car seat inspection clinic on Monday 27 April 2009 between 8:30AM and 12:30PM in the Walmart parking lot located at 2525 St. Clair Avenue West (St. Clair Avenue West and Runnymede Road). No appointment is necessary – first come first served.

On the 19th of November 2008 in the early morning hours there were a number of arsons in 11 Division. They occurred on Humbercrest Boulevard, Gooch Avenue, Magwood Court and Colbeck Street. In this instance, these arsons appear to be similar in that parked vehicles and trash bags with garden waste or leaves were targeted. The dry leaves were sometimes used as tinder for the fires. In one instance the wooden portion of a garage was set alight causing extensive damage to it and a nearby wooden deck.

You can’t be on guard 24 hours a day or be expected to stay up nights wondering if an arsonist might be lurking around your property. The following precautions should be taken which may assist you and your family from becoming victims of this type of crime.

• Make sure all doors , windows and skylights to your house and garage are closed and locked.
• Keep your vehicle locked at all times.
• Park your vehicle in a locked garage if possible.
• Check to ensure all exterior lighting around your home is powered and operational.
• Use your exterior lighting. Install some if you don’t have any.
• If you have a back alley or easement, be sure no unauthorized person can get into it.
• Beware of landscaping that may provide cover for someone lurking at night – and a possible source of combustion.
• Trim back trees and bushes on your property.
• Ask your neighbours to keep an eye on your home with the promise you’ll do the same for them. Concentrate on houses where people are away on vacation.
• Make sure there are no sources of flammable materials left out in the open, like rags, wood, gasoline cans, newspapers etc.
• Lock and chain barbeque propane tanks (spare tanks also) to prevent them from being used as a source of flammable material.
• Talk to your family about a fire plan and how to get out if a blaze strikes your home. Remember to arrange a specific meeting place so everyone knows all the members of your household escaped the flames.
• Make sure smoke detectors are installed on every floor of your home and they are operational.
• Consider having an emergency collapsible ladder if your bedroom is on an upper floor, to make it easier to escape by an upstairs window.
• Be aware of your surroundings at all times.
• Report any suspicious person(s) or events to the police.
• Do not delay in calling the police. Hesitate only long enough to ensure your safety. Then call immediately. The faster the police are able to respond, the better the chances the criminal(s) will be arrested.

General Toronto Police Contact Information

9-1-1
Should be used for the following emergencies:
• Crime in progress – situations where the safety of people or property are at risk
• Fire
• Medical emergency

416-808-2222
Should be used for non-emergency situations

416-222-TIPS – Crime Stoppers – Report anonymously to police any information regarding a crime (or online at www.222tips.com) Text TOR and your message to CRIMES (274637)

Theft of portable global positioning systems from autos

There have been a number of thefts from autos in 11 Division where the primary target of the crime was a portable global positioning system or GPS. Most of the thefts have occurred in the area surrounding High Park Avenue. It is important to remember not to leave valuables of any kind in your vehicle. This includes not only global positioning systems but also laptops, cell phones, wallets, purses, briefcases, cash or identification including vehicle ownership and insurance. Even leaving the suction cup mounting system for the GPS on the windshield may cause the criminal to believe something of value has been left in your car. Although nothing of value may be available to be stolen the subsequent cost of repairs to broken car windows and the inconvenience caused to you makes it advisable to remove all such accessories from sight. This is true even if the vehicle is parked in an underground garage.

If you must leave valuables in your vehicle, while shopping for example, please ensure all items are locked in the trunk.

Personal safety and theft prevention are always important things to keep in mind but extra effort should be made during times, like the festive shopping season when people are often distracted or in a hurry. Remember many crimes are crimes of opportunity. Criminals are people watchers and they are mobile.

Always be aware of your surroundings. Look and listen. Walk with a purpose and confidence. Do not overburden your hands with parcels. Have your car keys ready and available to unlock your vehicle. Have your car keys and house keys on different key rings.

When parking your vehicle always lock it and roll up the windows. Never l eave the vehicle running while unattended. You should try and park in areas that are both well lit and well travelled. Never leave a spare key in the vehicle. Before getting into your parked car look into the front and rear compartments.

All crimes should be reported to the police immediately. Hesitate only long enough to ensure your safety.
All suspicious events and people should be reported to the police immediately. Confrontation with suspicious people or suspected criminals is not recommended.

If a crime has occurred do not touch anything or clean up until the police have inspected for evidence. Note the description of any suspicious person and the licence plate of any suspicious vehicle.

General Toronto Police Contact Information

911 – Should be used for the following emergencies
* Crime in progress – situations where the safety of people or property are at risk
* Fire
* Medical emergency

416-808-2222 – Should be used for non-emergency situations

416-222-TIPS – Crime Stoppers – report anonymously to police any information regarding a crime or online at www.222tips.com

Seniors Avoid “Scam” Contractors

There has been a report of a possible fraud artist working in the area bounded by Jane Street in the west, Runnymede Road in the east, Bloor Street West in the south and Dundas Street West in the north. The fraudulent scam involves home renovations and repairs. The male suspect is described as white, late 30’s to 40 years of age, average height, slim build, dark wavy hair possibly using the name Frank.

Every year, home repair fraud costs homeowners money and causes them considerable aggravation and stress. A disproportionate number of those who fall victim to home repair fraud are seniors. Scam home repair contractors tend to target senior citizens, taking advantage of their willingness to trust a stranger who sounds sincere.

Police services across the country report that frauds involving home repair generally follow a set pattern.

• A person claiming to represent a home repair contractor will appear at your door. This person can be very friendly and appear knowledgeable and will explain that they are working in the area and noticed that some part of your home needs repair or replacement. Worn-out roof shingles, faulty brick and chimney mortar and driveway cracking are common “problems” they offer to fix.

• You will be offered a “special discount price” or a “senior’s discount” because the company is in the neighbourhood already or has some left-over materials fr om another job. However, in order to get this special price, you will have to act fast. You’ll be pressured to agree or to sign a contract on the spot. Once you agree, you may be asked to make a down payment towards the cost of the work.

What happens next can take a number of turns.

A lot of times, fraudulent “contractors” want a deposit before the work begins. In many cases, people who hand over a substantial deposit find that the “contractor” simply disappears. By the time the police hear about the problem, the contractor is long gone.

In other cases, work is done but the homeowners are significantly overcharged. A scam contractor’s special discount price usually turns out to be much higher than the normal market price. And in many cases, the repairs or renovations are not even needed.

Homeowners are advised to avoid contractors who:

• Knock on the door and tell you they just happen to be doing work in the neighbourhood and can give you a “special price”. Most problems relating to home repair fraud involve contractors who solicit business door-to-door.

• Promise a discount if you allow them to use your home “to advertise our work”. They have probably made the same offer to everyone.

• Offer “lifetime” warranties.

• Quote a price without seeing the job or conduct a “free inspection” of your home and then suggest you need major repairs.

• Demand a large down payment “to buy materials”.

• Refuse to give you a written contract outlining what they will do, or object to you getting ot her estimates.

• Only have a post office box for an address and a telephone answering service.

It is extremely important to check out contractors carefully before agreeing to anything, and then insist on a detailed written contract that ensures the contractor is operating their business properly.

Anyone looking for more information about home repair fraud should contact their local police services. (11 Division 416-808-1100/Crime Prevention 416-808-1108)

For more information on how seniors can avoid consumer fraud, visit these websites:

Ontario Ministry of Business and Consumer Services: Consumer Lookout
www.cbs.gov.on.ca/mcbs/english/consumer_info.htm

Canadian Home Builders Association website – Get it in writing campaign

Please report any suspicious events or individuals to the police at 416-808-2222 or Crime Stoppers at 416-222-TIPS.

Thursday, April 26, 2007 – 9:35 AM
13 Division
416-808-1300

The Toronto Police Service is looking for adults to work as school crossing guards to help young children cross the street safely.

There is a shortage of school crossing guards in 11, 12 and 13 Divisions.

These vacancies include permanent positions at intersections as well as vacancies for spare or substitute school crossing guards.

S/Sgt Scott Gilbert, from 13 Division, said, “The traffic on Toronto’s roadways affects everyone in the city. The safety of our drivers, passengers, cyclists, and pedestrians is extremely important and school crossing guards have a vital role to play.”

The following locations are in particular need of school crossing guards:

11 Division

• South Kingsway and Morningside Avenue,
• Keele Street and Glenlake Avenue,
• Sunnyside Avenue and Garden Avenue.

Crossing guards work three times each school day: in the morning, over the lunch hour and after school, helping young children cross the street safely.

The current pay is $10.36 per hour with a 12% Travelling Allowance and 4% Vacation Pay. Guards work an average of three hours per day.

Applications may be obtained at any Toronto police station or call Luisa Brown at 416-808-1235 for more information.

Pick-Pockets in Bloor West Village

On Monday the 2nd of April 2007 11 Division received a report of a pair of pick-pocket thieves working in Bloor West Village.

This community alert is being issued as a timely reminder to subscribers to be ever vigilant when out in public. Whether you are out shopping, dining or just out for a walk always be aware of the location of your purse or wallet. Please also be aware of your surroundings and of strangers who enter your personal space.

When these thefts occur the victim is frequently either bumped or distracted in some other way. Their purse is then stolen or their wallet is removed “pickpocket” style from their purse or shopping bag. The victim is often not immediately aware of the theft.

Another method used by criminals in this type of theft is for the would be thief to follow a shopper in a grocery stores. The thief waits until the intended victim is distracted while shopping and then removes their unattended purse from the shopping cart.

Please remember never to leave your purse, wallet or other valuables unattended. Do not place your purse over the back of your chair. Do not carry large sums of money with you. Do not carry credit cards with you that you do not intend to use at that time. Do not carry important pieces of identification with you if you do not need to. Do not keep your personal identification number (PIN) in the same purse or wallet with your debit card.

Please be aware of your surroundings and those people around you at all times. Immediately report any suspicious events to the police, store staff or security. If your wallet or purse is stolen immediately cancel all credit and debit cards and report the theft to the police. If your house keys are also in the stolen purse the locks at your home should be changed.

Please share the contents of this alert with family members, friends and patrons of your businesses to help them reduce their chances of becoming victims of crime.

If you have any other her personal security questions please contact the 11 Division Crime Prevention Office at 416-808-1108.

On 02 April 2007 the complainant reports she was at a coffee shop with friends. She paid for her purchase, returned her wallet to her purse but left her purse open. She then placed her purse over the back of her chair.

Store video reveals that a female suspect entered the store and went to the back of the coffee shop and stood directly behind the complainant and pretended to look at products on a display shelf. A male suspect entered the s tore and went into the washroom at the rear of the store across from the shelving unit and the female suspect. Several minutes later the male suspect joined the female suspect at the display shelf where they began to look at products together. The female suspect then moved directly beside the purse and obstructed the complainant’s view of the purse. The male suspect had his suit jacket draped over his left shoulder. The male suspect bends down and pretends to look at items on the bottom shelf. He then placed his jacket over the purse and removed the wallet from the purse. Both suspects then left the store.

Suspect descriptions – both are well dressed and appear to be professional “pick-pockets”

Suspect # 1 – female/white, 30 years old, 167cms. (5’6″), 82kgs.(180lbs.), heavy build, curly brown shoulder length hair, wearing black jacket, black pants and black knee high boots

Suspect # 2 – male/white (possibly European), 25-35 years old, 18 2cms. (6′), 77kgs. (169lbs.), thin build, black, wavy collar length hair, wearing a black suit, white shirt and wearing blue sun glasses on top of his head

If you have any information regarding this crime please contact 11 Division at 416-808-1100 or Crime Stoppers anonymously at 416-222-TIPS (8477) or www.222tips.com

Summer is just about over and school is once again in full swing. You may be aware that the Toronto Police Service is currently operating a Back to School campaign designed to remind everyone of the need to be aware of traffic safety issues around our schools. You should be noticing an increased police presence in school zones and in those areas where youth congregate during and after school.

In addition to traffic safety and traffic enforcement activities, officers in both uniform and plainclothes capacities have been assigned to target locations such as the subway system, parks and known local hangouts to prevent inappropriate or criminal behaviour.

I want to remind our community that in November this year we will be having a town hall meeting that everyone is welcome to attend. As in previous years this meeting is designed to listen to the concerns that people have about their safety and quality of life in 11 Division. When you read this bulletin I would ask that you let your neighbours know about this meeting and encourage them to attend and bring discuss their issues.

The meeting will take place on November 21, 2006, and the location will be finalized and announced next month.

A MESSAGE FROM Inspector Heinz Kuck SECOND IN COMMAND OF 11 DIVISION

Over the past 90 days we have been busy engaging many of our neighbourhoods in discussions about community safety. These town hall meetings, referred to as “community mobilization” meetings, were designed to open up the lines of communication with neighbourhood stakeholders and the police. Our goals involved identifying neighbourhood issues, discussing community based solutions, and identifying community assets which can be drawn upon as a resource to help in the cause.

It was a pleasure to meet with many of you at our gatherings in; Parkdale, High Park, Swansea, the Junction and Cooper Mills. Many excellent suggestions were brought forward, including; safety audits, crime stoppers programs, enhanced youth recreation and employment opportunities, as well as the use of letter campaigns to local politicians, and community ‘take back the street’ walks and marches.

Achieving a safe community is based on a formula of inclusiveness. We need the public to work cooperatively with ALL stakeholders. This includes everyone from the police, area residents, the media, business owners, schools and local agencies. Ultimately we want to see our neighbourhoods as an environment that is safe for ourselves, and our children. To do that requires participation from us all. It takes me back to an ancient African proverb that states; “It takes a village to raise a child.” Indeed, it takes a village, your village, to raise and keep our children safe.

So please do your part, be aware of happenings in your community. Get involved in neighbourhood networking. And think about organizing your own event to promote a sense of community, safety and security.

Until next time, keep safe, and share our vision of living, working, and playing in a great neighbourhood.

A MESSAGE FROM Detective Constable Dale Dafoe OF THE
11 DIVISION FRAUD OFFICE

HOME RENOVATION REPAIR SCAMS

In 2006, homeowners will spend millions of dollars on home remodeling and home repairs. According to statistics gathered by the Better Business Bureau home renovation contractors are ranked just behind car salesmen and auto mechanics in generating the most consumer complaints.

Although, these unscrupulous home renovators target all ages, seniors continue to be the most popular targets.

BEWARE OF THE FOLLOWING SCENARIO

1) A person claiming to be a representative of a home renovation or contracting firm will appear at your door
2) The person will be overly friendly in an effort to develop Trust
3) The person will tell you that they are working in the area and noticed that certain areas of your home are in need of repair. Quite often the identified work is NOT needed
4) The person will offer a time sensitive “SPECIAL DISCOUNTED PRICE”, if the contract is signed that day.
5) The person will offer a “SENIOR DISCOUNT” and/or a “MATERIALS DISCOUNT”. A materials discount is marketed as extra material purchased originally for other remodeling contracts but that would suitable for your renovation/repair. Quite often this surplus material doesn’t exist!
6) Although the person will offer the special discounted price, “LEVERAGING” may occur. “Leveraging” quite often, surfaces during the demolition phase, where the unscrupulous renovator will claim he needs more money to complete the work. Threats of “walking away” from the work will compel the homeowner to pay. Further leveraging draws may continue. RESULT = Total cost of work in the end becomes significantly more expensive than if the homeowner would have had the work done by a reputable home renovator.

REMEMBER – If you negotiate a Home remodeling contract, you can cancel the contract WITHIN 10 DAYS OF RECEIVING A WRITTEN COPY OF IT.
The final costs cannot be more than 10% above the written estimate set out in the agreement.
PREVENTION: PROTECT YOURSELF!
1) Don’t rush into making a deal or signing a home remodeling contract. Take a day to think about it.
2) Ask for references. Check the renovation company with;

ONTARIO BETTER BUSINESS BUREAU
(416) 644-4936 / www.ccbbb.ca

MINISTRY OF GOVERNMENT SERVICES
CONSUMER SERVICES BUREAU
416-326-8800 / 1-800-889-9768 / www.mgs.gov.on.ca
3) Obtain more than one estimate.
4) Have the proposed contract reviewed by someone who is trustworthy.

D/C Dafoe can be contacted at 416-808-1107 or through the 11 Division front desk at 416-808-1100

ARREST OF THE MONTH

On August 15th 2006 a 24 year old male accused entered a bank on Bloor Street West while his 22 year old female accomplice waited outside in a cab and acted as a lookout. The male approached the bank teller. He produced a note indicating he was robbing the bank, he was armed and there would be violence if his demands were not met. The teller complied by gathering together a quantity of cash which she then gave to the accused. The accused left the bank and joined his accomplice in the waiting cab. The cab fled the area. Luckily a witness was able to supply a description of the cab including fleet number. Police officers responding to the robbery call observed the fleeing cab and were able to follow it. The culprits upon seeing the marked police vehicle following them exited the cab and fled on foot. The female accused was arrested after a brief foot chase. The male accused climbed over an 8’ fence and dropped approximately 30’ in an attempt to avoid capture. The area was searched and the accused was discovered trying to conceal himself in the back of a parked pick up truck. The accused was arrested without incident. Through investigation it was determined that the 2 accused parties had committed several other bank robberies on August 9th, 10th, 11th, 14th and the 15th (when they were arrested).

Charges
Male – Robbery X 5
Female – Robbery X 3

Remember

It’s important to always be aware of your surroundings and what’s going on around you
Upon returning to your parked vehicle it’s important to always check inside before getting in
Report any suspicious people or events to the police so that they can be investigated
Community and police working together equals positive results

COMMUNITY OUTREACH

Child Seat Safety
The Toronto Police Service offers free inspection of your child safety seat installation at many of our stations. As Toronto Police Service members provide this inspection in addition to their regular duties, please call ahead and book an appointment. If you just show up at a station you may be disappointed. New parents please call well in advance of your expected due date.
To properly install your seat please read both your child safety seat instruction booklet as well as your vehicle owner’s manual. We will happily inspect your installation. Any seat that is installed incorrectly will be made right before you leave.
What happens to the occupants of a vehicle when a collision occurs?
When a motor vehicle is stopped abruptly due to a collision, the occupants continue travel at the pre-crash speed until they themselves are stopped. There is only one way in which occupant velocity can be stopped safely and that is by wearing/using a proper fitting seatbelt/child restraint. Note: The force required to restrain an occupant of a motor vehicle at the time of a crash is equal to occupant weight times the speed before the collision.
If you are not restrained at the time of a crash the only thing that will stop you is striking objects inside or outside of your vehicle. This can result in death or serious injury.
Child Safety Seats are extremely important to keep your children safe while travelling in your vehicle. Did you know that approximately 80 % of child car seats are used incorrectly?
Installing Your Child Seat Yourself – You can do it!
Installing a child seat can seem to be an overwhelming task but it does not have to be. We suggest reading both your car seat instructions as well as the instructions provided by your motor vehicles manufacturer. Car seat installation even by qualified technicians is at best a job for two people. Have a helper on hand.
Following the instructions you should be able to install the seat on your own. After you have installed the seat try to push it from side to side. If it moves more than 2.5 cm (1 inch then the installation is too loose. Start again from the top.
Make sure the rear-facing infant seat is approximately at a 45 degree angle-usually an indicator is provided on the side of the seat.
If, after making several attempts, you still require assistance please refer to our list of qualified installers as well as clinics. A trained safety seat technician would be happy to support you.

Where can I get help in Toronto and the Greater Toronto Area?

The Toronto Police Service offers car seat inspection at many divisions. This free service is offered on an appointment only basis. Additionally, the T.P.S., in conjunction with Child Safety Seat Coalition partners offer open seat clinics at various times during the year. Please contact your nearest division for an appointment: 11 Division 416-808-1124

Bicycle Safety

A bicycle is a vehicle. The Highway Traffic Act defines a vehicle as “anything drawn, propelled or driven by any type of power including muscular power”

Helmets
All cyclists under the age of eighteen years are required by law to wear a helmet while riding or operating a bicycle, and the chinstrap of the helmet must be securely fastened under the chin. (According to the Highway Traffic Act, 104 2.1)

The Highway Traffic Act of Ontario states:
218 (1) A police officer who finds any person contravening this Act or any municipal by-law regulating traffic while in charge of a bicycle may require that person to stop and to provide identification of himself or herself
(2) Every person who is required to stop, by a police officer acting under subsection (1), shall stop and identify himself or herself to the police officer
(3) For the purposes of this section, giving one’s correct name and address is sufficient identification
(4) A police officer may arrest without warrant any person who does not comply with subsection (2)

Injury prevention:
· Be a responsible cyclist
· Wear a Helmet
· Night riders should have a white light to the front and a red light or reflector to the rear
· Dress brightly to be seen
· When turning at intersections, be careful; most collisions occur at intersections
· Ride about 1 metre from the curb in a straight line; look well ahead and avoid hazards such as potholes, sewer grates and debris
· Shoulder check and signal before turning or changing lanes

Crime prevention
· Register your bike and your local police station or on the internet at www.TorontoPolice.on.ca
· Always lock your bicycle when not in use
· Lock your bicycle by placing a chain or cable through both wheels and the frame and attach around a stationary object
· If your bike is stolen, report the loss to the police immediately

The Toronto Police Service endorses the CAN-BIKE Program for children, adults and instructors.
Call the CAN-BIKE HOTLINE at (416) 392-1311 or visit the City of Toronto’s website for more information on courses and other events.

Bicycle Registration
Bicycle theft is a crime that causes financial loss and inconvenience in every community.
Thefts of bicycles can be reduced if owners acknowledge the need for adequate security, and invest in equipment that will be effective.
Protect Your Bicycle
· Register your bicycle with the police.
· Use a good quality locking device such as a hardened steel “U” shaped lock, or a hardened steel chain and padlock
· Lock your bicycle and both wheels to an immovable object which cannot be easily cut or broken.
Weak, inexpensive locks will not deter a proficient thief. It is pointless to save money by using a cheaply made lock, only to lose an expensive bicycle.
To prevent loss, accessories such as lights and bags, etc… Should be detached and taken with you when the bicycle is left unattended.
Identification of your bicycle
Manufacturers mark most bicycles with a serial number. If yours does not have a serial number, engrave an identifying number on the frame. You may wish to put the same number on the wheels and other components.
Register your bicycle
Registering your bicycle will greatly assist in its recovery if stolen. Three methods of registration:
1. At the cash register, when you are buying your bike at participating Operation Sign-Up dealers
2. Print the on-line registration form and bring it to your local police station, or mail it to the address listed on the form
To access information on the internet please go to www.torontopolice.on.ca

3. Obtain a registration form from your nearest police station

Fire Prevention Week 2006
Fire Prevention week will run from Sunday 08 October to Saturday 14 October 2006. This year’s message is “Prevent Cooking Fires: Watch What You Heat” Toronto Fire Services will be spreading the word that more fires start in the kitchen than in any other part of the home – and teaching families and kids how to keep cooking fires from starting in the first place. There will be open houses held throughout the week with a wide range of activities and fire safety displays taking place.
For more information on Fire Prevention Week and open house dates, times and locations please search on line at City of Toronto Fire Services.

911 in Any Language – You Can Speak In Your Language
The City of Toronto has launched an awareness campaign to let people in Toronto’s diverse communities know that they have access to free life-saving 9-1-

1 emergency services in 150 different languages.
The new posters were designed to raise awareness among non-English-speaking Toronto residents and visitors that they can obtain emergency service in over 150 languages when they call 9-1-1. The posters are being placed strategically in transit shelters and recycling bins in areas all across Toronto in which large populations of recent immigrants reside.
The citizens of Toronto they can call 9-1-1 in their own languages when in a police, fire or medical emergency. Dispatchers can get an interpreter on the line in seconds to get vital information or offer instructions to the callers.
The posters say “9-1-1 = Emergency in any language” in

English as well as having the phrase “911 = Emergency – Speak your language” translated into a total of eleven languages. Two variations of the poster are being used for the campaign. At 59 transit shelters, maintained by Viacom, posters will contain translations into Chinese (simplified and traditional characters), Farsi, French, Korean, Tamil, and Urdu. At 250 EUCAN recycling bins, the languages are Chinese (simplified and traditional), French, Punjabi, Russian, Spanish and Vietnamese.
In total, eleven different languages are represented on the posters. The locations of the posters have been selected to reach out to areas of Toronto with the largest populations of new immigrants and non-English-speaking people.

CRIME PREVENTION TIP OF THE MONTH

Internet Safety

The Internet is a global, decentralized network of computers taking advantage of common protocols permitting the transfer of information. No individual, company or government controls the Internet.

Risks

Proper supervision and computer use guidelines for your children are a must. There are many risks and security issues involving the use of the Internet. Children and their parents should be most concerned about:
Viewing inappropriate material
Internet Predators (Physical and sexual molestation)
Harassment
Frauds and Scams

Tips for kids
· NEVER give out any personal information such as your address, telephone number, parents’ place of work or their phone number, or the name and location of your school
· NEVER agree to get together with someone you ‘meet’ online without first checking with your parents
· NEVER send anyone your picture – Don’t accept any pictures either
· NEVER respond to any messages that make you feel uncomfortable
· NEVER lose your common sense while online – Remember, you are talking to a stranger. The people you are talking to may not be who they say they are
· NEVER send an insulting or rude message to anyone online. ‘Flaming’ is not good ‘Netiquette’
· Use a ‘code name’
· Report any harassment or inappropriate messages to your online service and to the Police
· Set your browser to say NO to ‘cookies’
Tips for parents
· Learn about what your child is doing on the Internet – Know what Web Sites they are visiting, know what type of chat rooms, e-mail, and messages your child is involved in online
· Find out about Filtering Software that is available to block out objectionable material
· Set reasonable guidelines for computer use by your children – monitor the amount of time spent on the computer and when
· Keep computer usage as a family activity by putting the computer in a family room rather than in the child’s bedroom
· Ensure your child does not give out personal information. Have them use a ‘code name’
· Be wary of any offers that involve your child going to a meeting or having someone visit your home – Remember that people may not be who they seem
· Create a password for your computer that is hard to guess but easy to remember and change it often
· Monitor your credit card bills
The following contact numbers have been included in previous bulletins in various ways. To facilitate matters the numbers are now being included in list form for easier reference. The Staff Inspector or Inspector can be contacted directly for matters involving them or where you feel their involvement is required. If you have a chronic ongoing crime concern, neighbourhood issues, a graffiti problem, traffic related concerns, need crime prevention advice or wish to arrange a crime prevention seminar please contact the appropriate number from the community response unit. If you wish to speak to a specific officer at 11 Division please contact the front desk. Police personnel are still dispatched through a centralized police number which is 416-808-2222 for non-emergency matters and 911 for emergency matters involving police, fire or ambulance services.

11 Division Contact List

Unit Commander –Staff Inspector Smollet – 416–808-1113

Second in Command – Inspector Kuck – 416-808-1112

Criminal Investigations -

Detective Sergeant Stroble – 416-808-1141

General Number – 416-808-1104

Community Response Unit –

Officer in Charge – Staff Sergeant Morrison – 416-808–1183

Foot Patrol – Sergeant Lenfensty – 416-808-1137

Traffic – Sergeant McCormack – 416-808-1124

Crime Prevention/Community Relations – PC Golding – 416-808-1108

11 Station –

11 Division front desk – 416-808-1100
11 Division fax – 416-808-1102
E-mail address – 11division@torontopolice.on.ca

General Toronto Police Contact Information

9-1-1
Should be used for the following emergencies:
Crime in progress – situations where the safety of people or property are at risk
Fire
Medical emergency

416-808-2222
Should be used for non-emergency situations

416-222-TIPS – Crime Stoppers – Report anonymously to police any information regarding a crime (or online at www.222tips.com)

To access on line information please visit www.torontopolice.on.ca